Little tips to enhance your travel happiness

In recent years, I've been on the road a lot and have gradually gathered some small habits that make my travels more comfortable and immersive to share with everyone 💆🏻‍♀️

✈️【Flying】
For long-haul flights over 5 hours, besides a lightweight backpack, I always bring an extra tote bag in my carry-on to hold little items that boost my travel happiness:
Slippers; hand cream & lip balm; compressed towel; over-ear headphones; a book; high-calorie snacks (I usually don’t eat popcorn, but before long flights I especially like buying Garrett at the airport—eating it on the plane is really satisfying)

The moment I change into slippers and put on my headphones, the flight turns into a truly relaxing time just for myself.

🏙️【City Strolling】
▫️Mark a city with music and scent
When traveling, I deliberately listen to playlists or artists that match the local vibe, or spray a perfume “belonging to this place.” Every time I hear or smell it afterward, the scenes and feelings from the trip come back, as if the freshness of the travel is infinitely extended.

▫️Schedule alone time
Agree with your travel companions to explore separately for half a day, doing what you each enjoy without forcing to be together, then meet up to share your experiences. This way, wandering in a strange place feels like a reassuring thrill.

▫️Live like a local for a day
In an unfamiliar city, do something you usually love doing on weekends. For example, take a Pilates class, watch a movie, go for a morning run, cook, visit a market, join a workshop… It’s not just a rushed visit, but letting the city’s atmosphere blend into your life.

▫️Leave some blank space for surprises
Don’t fill every moment or plan every shop visit: casually walk into a small local restaurant or stumble upon a charming little shop. Give yourself some serendipity and surprises during the trip.

🌴【Vacation/Staycation】
▫️Wear clothes completely different from work attire
Slip dresses, flip-flops… switch to vacation mode through your outfit

▫️No makeup, fewer photos
Put down your phone and just relax and unwind purely, without any purpose

▫️Create a different daily routine
For example, I go to bed and wake up earlier than usual, then take time to slowly enjoy breakfast and experience the morning I usually miss

▫️Join hotel activities
Vacation hotels usually organize various free activities, especially sports or wellness classes, which you can book in advance

▫️Schedule a massage
Especially in Southeast Asian island destinations, massages are truly the soul of a vacation 😴

🍧Anyway, whether you’re a special forces type or just lounging in the hotel, the most important thing is to be happy. May we all find our own rhythm in every departure and make the journey the way we want it to be. ✨